City officials recently celebrated the commencement of construction at Caton Flats, a mixed-use development in Flatbush, Brooklyn, that will eventually introduce 255 units of affordable housing.

Designed by Magnusson Architecture and Planning, the new property is located on the corner of Flatbush and Caton Avenues at 800 Flatbush Avenue. It replaces the shuttered Flatbush-Caton Market, a long-running hub of Caribbean-owned small businesses and merchants that served as a major cultural destination for local residents.

The former Flatbush-Caton Market in Flatbush, Brooklyn

While the site is under development, the Flatbush-Caton Market will continue to operate out of a temporary location at 2184 Clarendon Road in Flatbush. Construction is estimated to be complete by 2021, at which time the market will reopen within the new Caton Flats.

“Our vision is to position Flatbush-Caton Market as the definitive destination for Caribbean commerce, entertainment, and culture in New York City,” said James Johnson-Piett, CEO and Principal of Urbane Development which took over management of Flatbush-Caton Market in fall 2017 and will continue to support vendors through this transition. “Our market program introduces food, fashion, art, and personal care products and services that leverage the vibrancy of the Caribbean community with a world-class retail destination in the heart of Flatbush.”

“We’re thrilled to break ground on Caton Flats, a project that promises to bolster and revitalize the Flatbush community,” said James Patchett, President and CEO of the NYC Economic Development Corporation, one of several government agencies responsible for the new building. “Caton Flats will provide affordable housing, community space, and a new Flatbush-Caton Market for all to enjoy.

The remaining government agencies involved in the new development include the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the Housing Development Corporation, and the Caribbean-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in addition to BRP Companies, a privately-owed real estate developer and management firm.

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Couldn’t disagree more. The previous looked like something you’d see in Rotterdam. This version looks like something you’d see in, well, Charlotte maybe??? To each there own, unfortunately they’re visible to everybody.